WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Green Light project causes concern

Green Light project causes concern

By Keitha Nelson - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - One of Mayor Kip Holden's Green Light projects has neighbors seeing red. The project to extend Staring Lane from Highland to Burbank is causing a few headaches.

About 300 people live in the Highland Creek Subdivion. Dozens of them attended a community meeting Thursday night, craving answers about the road project that they say has simply been a nuisance.

"Our neighborhood has never had a problem with crime before and I hope it stays that way," said Krystal Mayberry, who lives in Highland Creek.

Mayberry believes in a matter of months, things within her tightly-knit subdivision could take a harsh turn for the worst.

"Now there's going to be a lot of traffic coming through our neighborhood that wasn't there before," said Mayberry.

By traffic, the mother of two is not just talking about cars. A four-lane roadway project in the works, would open up the Highland Creek subdivision. In the past there's only been one way in and out. Now, Mayberry worries she'll have to welcome some new neighbors. Gardere is in their newly opened backyard.

"It's going to connect our neighborhood with a neighborhood that's predominantly crime ridden," said Mayberry.

Project officials got an earful Thursday night, as they attempted to tackle neighbor concerns during a community meeting. People complained about cracks in their homes and driveways, because of the construction. Another issue brought up Thursday night was wether or not there would be a stop light at Staring Creek. Officials say they plan to have a stop sign, and possibly lower the speed limit.

Mayberry says taking a look at what she calls a mess in Highland Creek, she and her family are considering making a drastic move. "We've already thought about moving because of this," said Mayberry.

The project is about 30 percent complete, and is expected to wrap up by November of 2010. Officials say if you believe the construction has caused damage to your property, you can file a complaint with the Deaprtment fo Public Works.

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